1.Anti-inflammatory Strategies for Schizophrenia: A Review of Evidence for Therapeutic Applications and Drug Repurposing
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2020;18(1):10-24
Schizophrenia is a debilitating psychiatric disorder with a substantial socioeconomic and humanistic burden. Currently available treatment strategies mostly rely on antipsychotic drugs, which block dopaminergic effects in the mesolimbic pathway of the brain. Although antipsychotic drugs help relieve psychotic symptoms, a definitive cure for schizophrenia has yet to be achieved. Recent advances in neuroinflammation research suggest that proinflammatory processes in the brain could cause alterations in neurobehavioral development and increase vulnerability to schizophrenia. With a growing need for novel strategies in the treatment of schizophrenia, it would be meaningful to review the current evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of anti-inflammatory strategies. This review details the key findings of clinical trials that investigate the efficacy of anti-inflammatory agents as adjuvants to antipsychotic treatment. We further discuss the possibilities of repurposing anti-inflammatory agents and developing novel strategies for the treatment of schizophrenia.
2.Study on the Improvement of Dietary Life of Cancer Patients during Treatment by Nutrition Counseling.
Keeyoun HONG ; Yunjin CHOI ; Wanqin YAN ; Hyunsook LIM ; Jonghee CHYUN
Korean Journal of Community Nutrition 2016;21(1):93-101
OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the improvement of food habits and eating behavior of cancer patients during treatment through the continuous nutrition counseling and monitoring. METHODS: Thirty cancer patients during treatment were participated in this study, and the first nutrition counseling and the first and second monitoring were conducted after 2-3 week intervals. RESULTS: As a result of the nutrition counseling and monitoring, all patients improved to a great extent to consume 3 meals a day. The frequency of having breakfast was significantly increased with the nutrition counseling and continuous monitoring as well. The meal fixed quantity was stabilized and the eating speed slowed down as more nutrition counseling were done. The snack intakes of patients did not show any significant difference after the nutrition counseling but showed a slight decline after the monitoring. The frequencies of eating out and a late-night meal significantly decreased after the monitoring. The intakes of fish, meat, vegetables, milk and fruits needed for a well-balanced diet significantly increased as more nutrition counseling were done. The intakes of processed food were significantly decreased after the nutrition counseling and the intakes of fast food were significantly decreased as more nutrition counseling were done. The water intake of patients also significantly increased. In the eating behavior related to health, the frequency of drinking alcohol significantly decreased after nutrition counseling consultation and no patients had dietary supplements after the first monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that continuous nutrition counseling is effective in improving eating habits of cancer patients.
Breakfast
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Counseling*
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Diet
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Dietary Supplements
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Drinking
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Eating
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Fast Foods
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Feeding Behavior
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Food Habits
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Fruit
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Humans
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Meals
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Meat
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Milk
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Snacks
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Vegetables
3.The association between occupational stress level and health-related productivity loss among Korean employees
Jonghee CHUNG ; Jin-Hyo KIM ; Jae Yoon LEE ; Hee Seok KANG ; Dong-wook LEE ; Yun-Chul HONG ; Mo-Yeol KANG
Epidemiology and Health 2023;45(1):e2023009-
OBJECTIVES:
Occupational stress management is particularly important for successful business operations, since occupational stress adversely affects workers’ health, eventually lowering their productivity. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between occupational stress and health-related productivity loss (HRPL) among Korean workers.
METHODS:
In 2021, 1,078 workers participated in a web-based questionnaire survey. HRPL was measured using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire, and occupational stress was measured using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form. The occupational stress level was divided into tertiles (low, intermediate, and high), and the low occupational stress group was used as the reference group. Using a generalised linear model, differences in labour productivity loss according to the level of occupational stress were tested after adjusting for demographic characteristics such as age, gender, education level, household income, occupation, and underlying medical conditions.
RESULTS:
Non-parametric regression analysis of HRPL according to occupational stress showed a direct association between occupational stress and HRPL. A statistically significant difference was observed in HRPL between participants with intermediate and high occupational stress and those with low occupational stress.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the hypothesis that high occupational stress is associated with decreased labour productivity.